Who Needs Data When There is Trust?

Tracking Translation Productivity: Yes or No?

Translation productivity tells you how fast a translation was completed. It’s used to profile translators and post-editors, to set prices, compare vendors, to categorize content or evaluate MT engine output.

However, not everybody agrees productivity is the best way to track a vendor’s performance, irrespective of this vendor being an LSP or a translator.

The Naysayers

Those in the naysayers’ camp feel that there are too many variables to take into account for productivity to be a reliable measurement. Some companies argue their relationship with their vendors is built on trust and therefore don’t see a reason to use metrics to track productivity or quality.

In the past, translators did research, looked up words in a dictionary and learned new concepts during the process of translation. Many of them did not differentiate the time of translating from the time of learning and researching.

If translators use a quality assurance platform such as the TAUS DQF (Quality Dashboard), which differentiates these two types of activities, ultimately their working habits will change and they may also have a strong motivation to separate the time of learning from the time of translating.”

Productivity Tracking: Yes or No? Join the conversation on Twitter!

On 5 September between 4 - 5 p.m. CEST, during the first TAUS Twitter Chat, we will discuss translation productivity. Want to join the debate? Keep an eye on the hashtag #tauschat or leave your name and email address to receive reminders.

For an overview of the #tauschat rules and guidelines, please visit our website.

Toos studied Language Diversity of Africa, Asia and Native America at the University of Leiden. During and after her studies she worked as a copywriter and contentmarketeer. Now she is responsible for TAUS's online marketing activities. Toos is also the Product Manager for the TAUS website.